Asia rice: New season supplies rise in India; Vietnam rates drop

Prices of parboiled rice exported from India held steady this week as strong demand from Africa offset pressure from new crop yields, while Vietnamese rates decreased due to strong supplies and Thai rates edged up on baht appreciation.

Top exporter India's 5% broken parboiled variety was quoted at $444-$450 per metric ton this week, unchanged from the last week. Indian 5% broken white rice was quoted at $450-$458 per metric ton this week.

"The falling rupee is helping exporters offer rice at competitive prices despite a rise in paddy costs," said a New Delhi-based dealer with a global trade house.

The Indian rupee hit a record low against the dollar this week, effectively increasing exporters' margins.

Vietnam's 5% broken rice was offered at $509 per metric ton, down from $517 a week ago, according to the Vietnam Food Association.